The Hall of Fame Class of 2013.

Hello everyone, it's that time of year again when we get to see who's inducted into the Hall of Fame. Now there are a few Pro-Wrestling Hall's of Fame out there, but the top four are:

1. George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Waterloo, IA, USA. Criteria for induction into this HOF include substantial impact on professional wrestling, general respect within the profession, and a strong amateur wrestling background.2. Professional Wrestling HOF (PWHF) located in Amsterdam, New York. It was previously located in Schenectady, New York. Its purpose is to "preserve and promote the dignified history of professional wrestling and to enshrine and pay tribute to professional wrestlers who have advanced this national pastime in terms of athletics and entertainment." The Hall of Fame is thus not affiliated with any promotion.3. WWE HOF does not currently have a structural building to enshrine it's member-base and is currently an online version only. Those inducted are purely at the whim of one Vince McMahon.4. TNA HOF is very new having just started last year with it's first inductee Sting.

These are usually the main four people think of when the pro wrestling HOF is mentioned. So far the HOF Class of 2013 is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. Why do I say this? Well let's take a quick look at who's being inducted; when; where; and what awards are being handed out this year. Listed by popularity they are:

WWE HOF Class of 2013

Bruno Sammartino - Topping the list this year is none other than Bruno Sammartino who will be inducted into the WWE HOF the night before WrestleMania 29 by Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is all thanks to one Triple H who went to all lengths in order to secure Bruno for the HOF after many years of Vince trying to induct him. Bruno is a two-time WWWF Champion who holds the records for longest consecutive and cumulative reigns of 7 and 11 years, respectively.

Mick Foley - Also known as Cactus Jack; Mankind; and Dude Love, this three-time WWF Champion, eight-time WWF World Tag Team Champion, two-time ECW World Tag Team Champion, one-time WCW World Tag Team Champion, the first WWF Hardcore Champion and of course a former TNA World Heavyweight Champion is being inducted by none other than Terry Funk and rightfully so as these two have a very long storied history together and are great friends.

Bob Backlund - Two-time WWF Champion whose first reign is recognized as lasting for over five years, and one-time WWF Tag Team Champion. He is being inducted by Maria Menounos who is a good friend.

Booker T - Five-time WCW Champion, one-time World Heavyweight Champion, four-time WCW/WWE United States Champion, and a record 11-time WCW World Tag Team Champion.

Trish Stratus - A record seven-time WWF/WWE Women's Champion, and voted Diva of the Decade during the Raw 10th Anniversary special.

Donald Trump - Celebrity inductee, hosted WM IV and WM V at Trump Plaza. Won the "Battle of the Billionaires" at WM 23.

Chris Taylor - USA Freestyle wrestler who competed at 1972 Munich Olympics. Taylor wrestled for the AWA promotion and was trained to wrestle professionally by Verne Gagne and Billy Robinson. At only 29 years of age, Taylor passed away due to cardiovascular complications at his home in Story City, IA, USA.

Edge - Yes sir, Adam Copeland himself will receive the Lou Thesz Award, which is given to an individual in wrestling who has taken the skills of the profession into the realm of public service. Copeland (known as Edge) held 31 championships in the WWE, including 11 world championships. He is also one of three wrestlers who have held every currently active male championship in the WWE.

Jim Brunzell - The former AWA star was part of the “High Flyers,” a tag team that included Greg Gagne. Brunzell also had a very successful run in the WWE as one half of the Killer Bees tag team with Brian Blair. He will receive the Frank Gotch Award for bringing positive recognition to professional wrestling through work outside the ring. [Diamond Dallas Page will receive the Frank Gotch Award in 2014.]

Matt Hughes - That's right, a UFC HOF'er is being recognized at the HOF this year. He will receive the George Tragos Award, given to an exceptionally competitive wrestler who adapted his wrestling skills and competitive nature to excel in Mixed Martial Arts. Hughes is a nine-time World Welterweight Champion of the UFC, with a 45-9 career record. He was also a two-time Division I wrestling All-American for Eastern Illinois in the 158 pound weight class.

George Napolitano - Winner of the 2013 Jim Melby Award which recognizes excellence in professional wrestling journalism. George specialized in professional wrestling photography.

Comments

It is amazing to see names like Raschke, Santana, Watts, Dillon, The Assassins, and Murdoch going into the PWHF all in one year.

All groups seems to be inducting athletes who deserve to be in; Matt Hughes is awesome to see winning the honors for the Tragos award as he is the first to come into my mind when I think of a UFC wrestler. I can't say that I remember such a good class being inducted into the major HOF in one single year. Kudos to all involved.